On 6 January 2026, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held a high-level consultative meeting at the AU Headquarters to deepen bilateral cooperation across the nexus of peace, security, and sustainable development.
The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AUC, and H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State. This dialogue follows the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding and recent consultations held in Abu Dhabi.
Joint Statement between African Union Commission and the United Arab Emirates.
On 6 January 2026, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa between H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AUC, and H.E.… pic.twitter.com/gLBaPl7yIe
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) January 6, 2026
Key Outcomes and Strategic Initiatives:
1. Digital Transformation & AI for Development Both parties welcomed the UAE’s landmark USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative. Announced at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, this fund is set to catalyze Africa’s digital transformation, fostering innovation and supporting the continent’s development priorities through advanced technology.
2. Regional Security & Maritime Stability Recognizing the “close interdependence” between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Gulf, the leadership exchanged views on maritime security and regional prosperity. On Somalia, both sides reaffirmed unwavering support for the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
3. The Crisis in Sudan The AUC and UAE issued a stern call for:
- An immediate, unconditional humanitarian truce and a permanent ceasefire.
- Unhindered humanitarian access across all regions of Sudan.
- The establishment of an independent, civilian-led government.
- Full accountability for violations of international humanitarian law.
4. Economic Integration & “Silencing the Guns” The meeting underscored the centrality of Agenda 2063, specifically the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Both sides agreed that durable peace is a prerequisite for economic integration, reaffirming their commitment to the “Silencing the Guns by 2030” initiative.
5. Water Resilience and Global Action Looking ahead to the 2026 UN Water Conference—co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal—both parties pledged to collaborate on water security. This will be supported by initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, focusing on tangible, measurable impact across the African continent.
6. Territorial Sovereignty The African Union Commission joined the UAE in reaffirming that the occupation of the three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa) by Iran constitutes a violation of UAE sovereignty and UN principles. The AU supports the UAE’s call for a peaceful resolution via bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.
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Closing Remarks
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan concluded the session by reaffirming a shared vision for a stable, prosperous Africa and a strengthened AUC–UAE partnership that serves as a model for inter-regional cooperation.
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